This page is intended to provide the Haverford community with up-to-date information on the opening of the 2020-21 School Year. Our district team will continue to meet, monitor the situation and communicate all relevant information. Updated: 7/21/20.
Overview of Haverford School District’s Proposed Opening Plan
July 2020
4 Focus Areas:
Distancing, Screening, Hygiene, Masking
Hybrid Model– Students experience in-person learning 2 days per week and virtual learning 3 days per week
Virtual Learning – If buildings must close, students will learn from home in a 100% virtual model.
Haverford Online – the District’s K – 12 online option – available to all students, all the time
Opening Schools Timeline
Timeline is fluid and may be adapted based on changing circumstances.
July 2: Broad details of Haverford’s proposed opening plan shared via email with the community (video and slides on website)
July 9: Updated details of proposed reopening plan presented to School Board and community (video and slides on website)
July 16: School Board meeting to present Haverford Online, the district’s online option; Will also present a hybrid schedule option for the
Board’s consideration; Dr. Patrick J. Brennan, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania
Health System, to speak about the reopening of schools
July 20-24: Information gathering sessions with School District of Haverford Township employee groups
July 20: Details of proposed reopening plans posted on the website; Parent preference form released (with link to plan) to gather
feedback on proposed opening plans and tentative parent/guardian plans for the fall; due on 8/1.
July 21: WATCH Haverford Online Information Session, July 21st 5:00 - 6:30 PM
July 23: Chester County Department of Health Director Jeanne Casner speaks at the School Board meeting to address protocols for schools to
follow when reporting COVID exposure and/or cases, including contact tracing.
District will recommend a plan to the board.
Week of July 27: Hybrid Model Information sessions with Q/A will be held on the following days:
Pupil Services Information Session with Q/A (Special Education, Gifted, English Learners, 504) will be held:
July 30: School Board expected to vote to approve opening plan
Aug 1: Parent preference responses due
August 31: Haverford School District’s first day of school. Principals will communicate with opening plans to engage and acclimate students.
Updated: 08/10/20
Communication from the District is emailed via SchoolMessenger to all parents/guardians. Please check your SPAM folder if you are not receiving emails.
August 8, 2020
August 7, 2020
August 5, 2020
July 27, 2020
July 24, 2020
July 23, 2020
July 20, 2020
July 16, 2020
July 12, 2020
July 9, 2020
July 2, 2020
June 18, 2020
There will be four meetings during the month of July to provide information to the Haverford community for the opening of schools for the 2020-21 year.
You can watch the School Board Meetings on our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe8_yvzOaJmzYUiq3X_gqA
June 18:
Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan, Aug 6, 2020
Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan, School Board presentation (July 30, 2020)
High School: Health and Safety and Related Planning, as of July 20, 2020
Middle School: Health and Safety and Related Planning, as of July 20, 2020
Elementary Schools: Health and Safety and Related Planning, as of July 20, 2020
UPDATED 09/03/20:
CHOP Policy Lab: Evidence and Considerations for School Reopenings (08/19/20)
Wolf Administration Provides Updated Guidance to Safely Reopen Pennsylvania’s Schools (07/16/20)
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) (07/16/20)
Chester County Health Department Coronavirus COVID-19 School Guidance (09/01/20)
Academy of Pediatrics - COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry (06/15/20)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Environmental Consultants, Inc
Below are the distribution schedules and directions for picking up your student’s district assigned device.
You can also bring any Chromebook that was borrowed in the spring. Please put your student’s name on the device.
When you come to pick up your device:
High School Device Distribution:
Middle School Device Distribution: S
Staff are available from 8-2 each day in the main office to get you your student's device.
Chatham Park Chrome Device Distribution:
Please stay in your car, pull up to the overhang on the far left of the building and we will bring your device to you.
Chestnutwold Chrome Device Distribution:
Please stay in your car, pull around the back of the building by the playground and we will bring your device to you.
Coopertown Chrome Device Distribution:
Please stay in your car, pull up to the Main Entrance and we will bring your device to you.
Lynnewood Chrome Device Distribution:
Please stay in your car, pull up to the door on the left side of the front of the building and we will bring your device to you.
Manoa Chrome Device Distribution:
Please stay in your car, pull around behind the school to the classroom wing on the far side of the playground and we will bring your device to you.
Watch the Elementary: Hybrid Model Information Session (07/28/20)
Watch the Middle School: Hybrid Model Information Session (07/28/20)
Watch the High School: Hybrid Model Information Session (07/29/20)
Watch the Pupil Services: Hybrid Model / Haverford Online Information Session
Pupil Services Information Session Presentation (slides only)
Parent/Guardian Preference Form
Below is a link to our parent/guardian Preference Form. We ask that parents/guardians use this form to share their intentions for this fall regarding transportation, and their preference for in-person or our 100% virtual option, Haverford Online. The link will remain active until August 1st.
Please use this link to complete the Preference Form.
We understand some of your questions may still need to be answered before you can submit the Preference Form, please check our website for updated information, and attend drop-in sessions before you submit your response.
However, if you already know what your plan is, feel free to complete the Preference Form now. The sooner that we get this information, the more quickly we can refine plans for staffing, transportation, and food services. Your responses will allow us to begin in-depth planning and allocating resources accordingly.
Questions will continue to be added to this list. Update 08/11/20:
The Haverford Township School District Education Foundation (HTSDEF) launched this rapid relief fund to support district students and their families who have experienced recent financial challenges.
The School District is gathering information about local childcare providers and the information is posted on our website under Community Information / Before & After School Care here.
Q: Why has Haverford moved to a hybrid model, when some school districts in the region are still planning to go back five days a week, and others are opening with a fully virtual model for all students?
A: The Haverford School District administration, like every district in Pennsylvania, must make their own choice about how to safely reopen schools. Haverford was planning for a full, five day a week reopening with 3 feet of separation between students, per the Chester County Department of Health guidelines. (Delaware County is without its own health department but has been assigned to Chester County.) Given the new July 16 PA Department of Health guidance that states that schools should provide a minimum of 6 feet of distancing between students (and staff) to the maximum extent possible, coupled with the increase in Covid cases, we feel compelled to follow this prevailing guidance. The CDC, CHOP, and American Academy of Pediatrics (along with several other major national organizations) advocate for a return to in-person school – but only with safe social distancing, as defined by 6 feet. We simply do not have the space in our school district to provide this distancing when all students are present. The only way we can provide this is with a hybrid model.
Q: Will this model be in place for the entire year?
A: We are hoping to be able to transition all students back to school in person, five days a week with moderate social distancing and other Covid mitigation procedures. We will frequently reevaluate in conjunction with the Chester County Department of Health to ascertain when it may be safe to bring more students back to our classrooms.
Q: If the guidance keeps changing, how do you know that it won’t change again?
A: The trajectory of the virus is obviously unknown, which is why we need to have multiple models that we can move in and out of throughout the school year.
Q: If enough parents select Haverford Online, can you then provide enough social distancing space to bring students back 5 days a week?
A: Half our student body would have to select the fully online option in order to provide enough space to make that work. We don’t anticipate that will happen.
Q: When will the District make a final decision?
A: The district is expected to make a final decision on its plans on July 30.
Q: What is the Opening Schools Timeline?
A: Timeline is fluid and may be adapted based on changing circumstances.
July 2: Broad details of Haverford’s proposed opening plan shared via email with the community (video and slides on website)
July 9: Updated details of proposed reopening plan presented to School Board and community (video and slides on website)
July 16: School Board meeting to present Haverford Online, the district’s online option; Will also present a hybrid schedule option for the
Board’s consideration; Dr. Patrick J. Brennan, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania
Health System, to speak about the reopening of schools
July 20-24: Information gathering sessions with School District of Haverford Township employee groups
July 20: Details of proposed reopening plans posted on the website; Parent preference form released (with link to plan) to gather
feedback on proposed opening plans and tentative parent/guardian plans for the fall; due on 8/1.
July 21: WATCH Haverford Online Information Session, July 21st 5:00 - 6:30 PM
July 23: Chester County Department of Health Director Jeanne Casner speaks at the School Board meeting to address protocols for schools to
follow when reporting COVID exposure and/or cases, including contact tracing.
District will recommend a plan to the board.
Week of July 27: Hybrid Model Information sessions with Q/A will be held on the following days:
Pupil Services Information Session with Q/A (Special Education, Gifted, English Learners, 504) will be held:
July 30: School Board expected to vote to approve opening plan
Aug 1: Parent preference form responses due
August 31: Haverford School District’s first day of school. Principals will communicate with opening plans to engage and acclimate students.
Q: What is the District’s current plan for the opening of schools on August 31st?
A:
Based upon the latest distancing recommendations from the PA Department of Health and PA Department of Education, schools are being directed to maintain social distancing of 6 feet between students and staff. In order to follow this, the District must find a way to reduce capacity and will be proposing a Hybrid Model. In this model, students attend school 2 days per week and participate in virtual learning 3 days per week. This model was presented at the 07/16/20 School Board Meeting and can be found on the website. Details of the plan are still being developed. The hybrid option would not have to remain in place for the entire school year, and the district hopes to transition all students back to school as soon as health officials feel it is safe to do so. The district will also be offering an exclusive online option, Haverford Online, for anyone who would like to opt into that plan. This program is taught by Haverford teachers and would allow students to transition back to their brick and mortar schools at the ends of trimesters or semesters. This program is different from the spring pandemic remote learning.
Q:
What are the district’s plans if schools have to close again at some point during the 2020-21 school year?
A:
If school are closed we are prepared for virtual learning in which our students will learn via a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded, viewed at any time) instruction utilizing digital and non-digital resources. We have made adjustments to spring pandemic remote learning based on parent and staff feedback.
Q: What is the latest recommendation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education?
A: Please see the latest recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) (07/16/20)
Q:
How can I find out more about Haverford Online?
A:
A presentation was made at the 07/16/20 School Board meeting. More information will also be available shortly on the Haverford Online section of our website.
Haverford Online School Board Presentation
Haverford Online School Board Presentation - Slide presentation only
Q:
Regarding the survey about Haverford Online and Transportation: When will it be due? Will there be an opportunity to ask questions? When will registration open?
A:
Here is a timeline to follow:
7/20: Link to the Board presentation and slides posted
7/17-7/20: Parents/Guardians invited to send QUESTIONS via email to HaverfordOnline@haverfordsd.net
Questions sent to this address will be incorporated into a Frequently Asked Questions document which will be posted on our website and shared at our live session.
7/20: Survey sent home; Due 8/1
7/21: Live question and answer sharing at 5:00 p.m. recorded and posted
Haverford Online Information Session, July 21st 5:00 - 6:30 PM
What to expect:
Hear responses to frequently asked questions at the start of the session. Add your questions to the chat so that we can answer them verbally. We'll respond to as many as possible in this manner. At the end of the session, unanswered questions will be incorporated into an updated FAQ document that will be posted on our website. A recording of the session will be posted on our website.
What if I can't attend?
If this webinar reaches capacity or you are unable to connect, you may access a recording of the session on this webpage following the meeting.
ZOOM LINK:
https://haverfordsd.zoom.us/j/87653763881?pwd=SmJKai81Wkp2TnNrendMa3c2QzZmZz09 Passcode: 405319
Or iPhone one-tap : US: +13126266799,,87653763881#,,,,,,0#,,405319# or +16465588656,,87653763881#,,,,,,0#,,405319#
Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 Webinar ID: 876 5376 3881 Passcode: 405319 International numbers available: https://haverfordsd.zoom.us/u/kd7dyAUOMT
Week of 7/27: Haverford Online registration begins. *We ask that interested families register for Haverford Online for at least one trimester (elementary) or semester (secondary). This will support students with transitions and allow us to properly allocate staff and resources.
The District hopes to have Haverford Online students registered by August 7 in order to align staffing needs to best meet the combination of Haverford Online students and in-person for those in buildings.
Click HERE for more information about Haverford Online
Q;
Why is our school district following guidance from Chester County?
A:
The Chester County Health Department is the health authority for Delaware County.
Chester County Department of Health Director Jeanne Casner will speak at the 07/23/20 School Board meeting to address protocols for schools to follow when reporting COVID exposure and/or cases, including contact tracing.
Q:
What is the protocol if someone tests positive for coronavirus?
A:
All Districts in Delaware County will follow the protocol from the Chester County Health Department regarding reporting, quarantine. See “exclusion from and return to school” guidance on page 18 of the document.
Q: How are the COVID-19 reports investigated?
A: The Chester County Health Department investigates all suspect or confirmed reports of COVID-19. Chester County Health Department Coronavirus COVID-19 School Guidance (07/06/20): Page: 16
Q: How is Contact Tracing for COVID-19 done?
A: Chester County Health Department Coronavirus COVID-19 School Guidance (07/06/20): Page: 16
Q: Will everyone (teachers and students) be required to wear a mask?
A: Everyone will be required to wear a mask per the PA Department of Health Universal Face Coverings Order. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Universal-Masking-FAQ.aspx
Q:
What type of mask should my child wear in school?
A:
The Universal Masking Order requires individuals to wear a "face covering." "Face covering" means a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A "face covering" can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen, and, for the purposes of the order, can include a plastic face shield that covers the nose and mouth. "Face coverings" may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or improvised from household items, including but not limited to, scarves, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. While procedural and surgical masks intended for health care providers and first responders, such as N95 respirators, would meet these requirements, these specialized masks should be reserved for appropriate occupational and health care settings.
Q:
Will there be cleaning in between classes at the high school before the next student uses them?
A: Our facilities team is working to develop efficient and effective cleaning procedures for all our schools that follow best practice and guidance from numerous national school reopening reports.
Q:
How will the attendance policy be enforced when students will be absent for 14 days at a time, perhaps repeatedly, throughout the year?
A:
Our team is working on a flexible Attendance Policy and administrative regulations in regard to this school year. This information will be provided to families before the start of the school year.
Q: If a student is experiencing any symptoms and has to physically miss school, will there be an opportunity for virtual learning if a student is well enough to do so?
A:
Those students who are subject to quarantine will have access to their educational programs. More information will be available as we continue to develop our learning plans.
Q: How are we taking into account children’s mental health, social-emotional learning, and development?
A:
We are working with our school counselors and other staff to address these issues and concerns, and will do all we can to create warm, nurturing environments under these challenging conditions.
Q: How are you gathering community input?
A: Parents/Guardians are invited to send QUESTIONS via email to HaverfordOnline@haverfordsd.
Questions sent to this address will be incorporated into a Frequently Asked Questions document which will be posted on our website and shared at our live session.
A survey will be sent to parents on July 20 and will be due by Aug 1 so that Administrators and Board members have time to consider responses before presenting a final plan on July 30.
Q:
What is the cleaning protocol for the busses in between routes each day from the high school, middle, and elementary schools?
A:
All areas of bus interior will be cleaned after each run by each bus driver utilizing the bus (i.e. morning, mid-day, afternoon) using CDC approved spraying solution and disinfectant wipes. Buses will be ventilated and air-dried through the use of windows, doors, emergency exits.
Please see the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) (07/16/20) for more information on the bussing and transportation guidelines.
Need Help during COVID-19? The Haverford Township School District Education Foundation (HTSDEF) launched this rapid relief fund to support district students and their families who have experienced recent financial challenges.
Anyone who has been advised to quarantine because they have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case, may not come to school. Those who have been advised to quarantine because of participation in or attendance at before and after-school daycare, extracurricular activities, sports, gatherings, etc. may not come to school until the quarantine time period has expired.
